April 3, 2021 Issue, Page 10 of 10

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10 April 3, 2021 Oklahoma’s meat goats tough out COVID-19 disruptions By Brian Brus to be any worse due to pan- the first quarter ends. some of his market insights channel on YouTube. OSU goat program page online demic distancing issues. Meat goats are popu- on the OSU meat goat Extension also has a meat with more information. STILLWATER, Okla. – In the latest data, the lar protein alternatives, Meat goat market disrup- USDA shows Oklahoma particularly among some tions due to COVID-19 last had 84,000 meat and other ethnic or cultural submar- year appear to have made less of an impact than expected, said JJ Jones, goats in 2020, compared with about 79,000 at the beginning of 2021, or a kets. Goats’ smaller size – compared with beef cattle – appeals to new produc- Easter spells out beauty, the Oklahoma State University 6% drop. That’s a slightly ers. They soon learn goats Extension area agricultural economist. “Meat goats were affected steeper decline than 98% for the rest of the country as reported by the USDA’s require just as much effort and experience to be profit- able, Jones said, and some rare beauty of new life. barely at all by the pandem- National Agricultural Sta- producers opt out after ex- ic,” Jones said. “Prices and tistics Service. periencing losses. demand remained surpris- Prices present a differ- The U.S. needs more ingly strong, to Oklahoma ent picture, however. The goats to meet overall de- producers’ benefit.” average price of a 40- to mand, so carcass imports Oklahoma is typically 60-pound kid in 2020 was out of Australia, New Zea- the fourth largest state for $3.17 per pound, almost land and Mexico typically meat goat production, al- 40 cents over the previous remain high. However, CO- though Jones has watched year’s average – “a banner VID-19 disrupted shipping meat goat numbers slowly year for 2020,” Jones said. lines, and in 2020 those im- decline over several years Examining data out of the ports were down 45% from for a variety of cultural and Livestock Marketing In- 2019. Only more time and economic reasons. So, while formation Center, he said research will reveal what last year showed another 2021 is looking even better, happened to those factors, slight drop in numbers, the with expectations of more Jones said. general trend doesn’t seem than $4 per pound when Jones recently shared Elk City Chamber of Commerce Annual Easter Egg Hunt We want to wish you and your Saturday, April 3rd Children ages family a Happy Easter. 1 pm • Ackley Park 1-10 May this Easter be filled with • Over 11,000 Candy-filled eggs • Visit the Easter Bunny at Ackley love, family and happiness. Park for pictures after the Easter Egg Hunt. Name First National Bank BRING YOUR CAMERAS!! Business For more information please contact the &Washington 1234 TrustStreet of Elk City Elk City Chamber of Commerce at 580-225-0207 Somersville Heights “Together We Grow” 000-000-0000 www.namewebsite.com ELK CITY: 2714 W. 3rd St. • 580.928.2580 https//www.fnbec.bank SAYRE: 711 N.E. Highway in S. 102 St.Main St. 580.225.2580 580.225.2580 Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. • 580.928.2580 https//www.fnbec.bank